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New Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez has included Raheem Sterling on his list of transfer targets, according to reports.
Xavi was confirmed as Ronald Koeman’s successor in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The former midfielder, who won eight La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues during his tenure as a Barcelona player, has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract.
He inherits a difficult situation at Camp Nou, with the Blaugrana mired in financial trouble with debts of over £ 1 billion.
Barcelona sit ninth in the La Liga table and are almost certainly absent from the title race in early November.
A record of four wins in their first 12 games suggests Barca face an uphill battle to finish in the top four.
Xavi wants to strengthen his squad in the January transfer window to make sure the Catalan giants don’t miss out on next season’s edition of the Champions League.
Sterling is on his list of targets, according to Sport, with the former Al Sadd boss looking to add a winger to his squad.
Xavi reportedly made three requests to President Joan Laporta before taking the post.
Along with an overhaul of the club’s medical system and the ability to bring in his own behind-the-scenes staff, Xavi wants to have a say in recruiting the club.
The 41-year-old wants his team to play with width and believes Sterling would be a good addition to the squad.
The England international has struggled to find playing time so far this season.
Sterling has only made three Premier League starts and was an unused replacement when Manchester City beat Manchester United 2-0 on Saturday.
He is at the end of his contract at the Etihad Stadium in 2023, so City will have to listen to any offers they receive for the 26-year-old.
However, it remains to be seen whether debt-ridden Barcelona have the money to fund a move for the pound sterling.
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